Are sowbugs the same as pill bugs?
Are sowbugs the same as pill bugs?
Yes, sowbugs and pill bugs refer to the same type of crustacean, just with different common names in different regions.
Name explanation
- Sowbugs / Woodlice: The common name for these creatures in some regions, belonging to the class Malacostraca, order Isopoda, named for their preference for dampness.
- Pill bugs / Roly-polies: A common nickname, as they curl into a tight ball when disturbed, resembling a small pill or watermelon.
- Slaters: Also used in some regions; strictly speaking, "slater" can refer to a specific type of woodlouse (one that cannot roll into a perfect ball).
Species distinction
Common sowbugs mainly come in two types:
- Pill bug (Armadillidium vulgare) — Can roll into a complete ball. Their body is rounded; when startled, they immediately curl up—this is their defense mechanism. When flipped, their underside is flat; rolled up, they look like a small pill.
- Sow bug / Slater (Porcellio scaber) — Cannot roll into a complete ball. Their body is somewhat flatter, and they run faster. When startled, they do not roll up but instead scurry quickly to find a crevice to hide in.
Habits
Regardless of the type, their habits are similar:
- Live in damp, dark environments.
- Hide in crevices during the day and emerge at night.
- Feed on decaying plants, leaves, and mold.
- Require high humidity to survive (they absorb moisture through their body surface).
Control methods
The core of sowbug control is dehumidification and cleaning:
- Keep bathrooms and kitchens dry and well-ventilated.
- Remove dead leaves, debris, and old cardboard boxes from corners.
- Seal door and wall gaps to prevent entry.
- Apply bifenthrin-containing household hygiene insecticide spray where they are active.